CX_Luigi

very quick explanation: IR-SR:used to map I/O point as well as work flags. SR helds some system flags values such as clock pulses, logic flags and the likes; AR-holds various system informations, both in bit or word (16-bits) format; HR-analogous to IR, but the value is retained at shutdown; LR-analogous to IR, is used for networking between Omron CPU; I recommend you to visit Omron website to get (freely) all the operations and installation manuals for your CPU, the detail of each area is clearly explained.

after reading the specs from the Spanish presentation (BTW: thanks to everyone for the documentation posted) my impression is that Omron is squarely aiming at Siemens S7-200. That will be good for me, as I can now push for an all Omron solution with customers that previously would have been "requesting" S7-200. All in all is a very good move from Omron, going to exploit the wealth of possibilities offered by the CJ/CS family.

can someone point me to some tutorial or document explaining in detail STL? There was a post some time ago but I cannot locate it anymore thanks

it was. Thank you

I have a system with a CPU243-IT installed, that need to be interfaced with a Visual Basic program. After some search, these are the most likely solutions I've coming: -LIBNODAVE; -ProDave; -PC Access; LIBNODAVE would be my choice, unfortunately it does take some work to connect with VB and I am time-constrained at the moment. For ProDave the main problem is price, while PC Access need to be installed and configured before being accessed through VB. I forgo the Java solution because for customer VB use is mandatory, although I am pushing hard for the next projects with them. Also I am not using freeport because the user program is already filling most of the memory and I need later to extend it. I will made all the software programming, so I need to keep costs as low as possible. What of the above solutions would you suggest? Any alternative suggestions? Sorry if those questions seems straighforward, but I'm using to work and interface with Omron systems.

the last version of SYSWIN was supplied with activation codes, while the use of dongles was discontinued, although you could use the existing one in case of upgrade from another version. That said, I second suggestions that you try to obtain CX-Programmer.

you may consider to useFreeDOS, a free clone of the old MS-DOS, i used it in conjunction with VirtualPC for Windows to restart some old legacy software.

i tried to locate the PDF document you mention about the ZEN protocol. Would you mind give a link for downloading? thanks

during the years i switched from LSS to Syswin and finally ended on CX-Programmer, however all too many times when I need to access a program online that was originally downloaded using one of the above programs, the verification fails, usually due to the fact that compiling (and thus use of TR registers among all) is done in a different way. At this point I have either to keep a copy of both Syswin and LSS and download the original program once more using CX-Programmer. I've played with various settings on CX (selecting the compatibility with older environments flag and changing the verification conditions) but still have problems. Using File Transfer utility does not make any benefit too. Anyone can point how this problem can be bypassed, or is a matter to waiting until a next version come out (CX 5?)

i think that regarding print format and layout, SYSWIN was and still is far more superior to CX-P. I would welcome a rearrangement of the printing menu, to make it same or at least more equal to SYSWIN, or a separate small program to completely customise print appearance (a la File Translation Utility), leaving the actual printing in place.

another possibility is to use Microsoft Virtual PC or VMWare, both are able to replicate any past MS system within your environments without need to partition a hard disk

i am working on an application in which I want to switch from an UMC600 to an UMC612, but haven't any informations aside the slim PDF found on manufacturer site. Can anyone please poit me to a PDF version of user manual for UMC612? thanks

Virtual PC is a very good software, to the point that MS itself bought it from its original developer and offers it as solution for keeping on legacy system impossible to port on more updated system (Virtual PC for Windows) . I did not think you were kidding, actually is a decent solution if one's understanding about its limits, and Omron does not explicitly discourage the use of its software under emulation (cfr. CX-Programmer's User Manual). Emulation includes not only Virtual PC on Apple, but also Linux/WINE and Win4Lin. As said, my experience of CXP running in emulation has been entirely positive. Actually more than one FA mainstay application was created on Apple systems and following ported on Windows (the more obvious one that comes to mind is LABView, but do not forget Word and Excel, both born straight on Mac platform). However i must note that the topic "industrial software on Apple systems" when resurface on various forums is a highly controversial one <> . This in my opinion means two things: a) people are increasingly wary of MS domination and practices in the software market and keep asking for alternatives, and invariably Apple and/or Linux are the two most asked ones, and b) due to recent changes in Apple system software and its widening appeal more people are willing to give it a try in areas far from the traditional strongholds of graphics and multimedia. My work, as anyone work here, is based on Wintel solutions and while I reckon it will be like this for many years coming, it doesn't stop me to be concerned of the shortcomings of this platform, especially in safety, performance and stability, that appears to increase as time goes on. Dismissing the possibility that one day Linux or Mac solution will replace Wintel as the mainstay of FA does not seems to me a good idea. Just my 2 cents,

as said by Jay you need to install Virtual PC, however Omron does not guarantee that CXP will work properly under emulation. In my experience as both Omron and Mac user, as long as you stay away from online operation using CXP under emulation is without problem, files generated on a Mac are readable by a PC as well. I must also note that previous versions of Virtual PC (pre-Microsoft acquisition) allowed decent work with online operations as well.

Thanks Yair for your help

Both LK202 and the C120 interface uses HostLink protocol to communicate with CPUs. To access all the CPUs from a single computer, you need to connect them in a RS422 network, using LK201 cards. These CPUs however are now out of production, if you have the chance and it is financially viable, you may replace them with newer ones, that supports Controller Link protocol, making even more easier communication and giving more flexibility. You may use then the C200H Alpha series (replacing only CPU and backplane and keeping all the rest, software included) or consider CQM1H or CJ1 series. For a detailed explanation of HostLink protocol and connection modes, you may go to Omron's Document Library and search for HostLink Unit manual. cheers

thanks to anyone for the replies. I'd like to point out that Omron, at least in USA does make available for downloading CX-Supervisor that can work in demo mode if a registration key is not supplied during installation, not unlike CX-P. While is Omron decision whether sofware must be available as a trial version, I think it could be welcomed news if a current version of CX-P could be made available as demo or Junior mode, for willing people to test. Having worked with Siemens hardware and software in the past, in my opinion a trifecta CX-P/CJ1xx/Ethernet communication module is a terrific system for development while reasonably priced.

first a disclaimer: although my employer is supplied directly by Omron with all the software needed, I bought by myself a copy of CX-Programmer (then 2.04), mainly because I like to deepen my knowledge of both controllers and applications. During visits to customers in the past months, I had the chance to install the latest versiona of CX-P, everytime unlocking it using my own legal serial number. CX-P can work without serial number, in this case it can be configured as demo version or can be downgraded to Junior mode, good only to program the bottom line of PLCs. My company now uses CX 3.3, but i know that 4.0 is already out. My question: is possible to post or find the CX-P installer only, using my serial to enable it? Would this be acceptable to Omron? Please note, I am not talking about piracy here, my copy is a legal one. I saw older Omron softwares in the downloading area, so I think it is possible to post CX as well or not? Also note that, due to the direct supply of software by Omron I never sent the registration card.

Is there any place where I can dowload a demo version of NS Designer? Thanks all for the advice Luigi